PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; produces the most blooms with 6+ hours of direct daily sunlight
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 15–25°C; tolerates light frost but will decline in prolonged temperatures below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow lance-shaped bright green leaves arranged oppositely along stems
- Flower: Dense terminal clusters of 5-petaled blooms in pink, red, white, purple, or bicolor shades
- Stem: Slender branching green stems with fine soft hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Fertilization
Diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to prioritize flower production over foliage growth
Banana peel tea：Soak 1 chopped banana peel in 1 liter of water for 24 hours; dilute the infusion 1:2 with clean water before drenching soil to avoid overfeedingPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Trim leggy mid-season stems to promote bushier, more compact growth
- Remove faded foliage at the end of the growing season to prevent overwintering disease spores
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes harmony and unity; a staple in traditional cottage garden aesthetics
Usage: Ornamental for garden borders, hanging baskets, and cut flower arrangements; attracts butterflies and native pollinators
